Australia: Make-A-Wish Foundation Visits Fleet Base West

Families from Make-a-Wish Foundation visited Fleet Base West during ‘Wish Day’ on Friday 22 March 2013. The children and their families were able to experience and gain an insight into Navy life through visiting a number of units, watching demonstrations and talking to Navy personnel.

Make-a-Wish Foundation ambassador, Ms Karleigh Barbour, who visited Fleet Base West with the children and their families said that having the ability to see a variety of Navy units along with the time spent onboard HMAS Sirius were the highlights of the day.

“Visiting the navy base and a ship were tremendous activities to do on Wish Day,” said Ms Barbour.

“It helped to take the children’s minds off doctor’s and specialist appointments as well as their normal every day life.”

Whilst onboard HMAS Sirius, the children were guided through the bridge, the galley, damage control repair bases, the gym and onto the flight deck. Commanding Officer, HMAS Sirius, CMDR Brian Delamont also took time to speak with and welcome the children and their families.

HMAS Sirius, Deputy Maritime Logistics Officer, LEUT Chris Harvey who acted as a tour guide said he found the visit to be inspirational.

“I really enjoyed showing the children and their families around,” he said.

“It was a very humbling experience and certainly one that I would volunteer to do again.”

Prior to concluding their visit, a lunch was enjoyed by all the visitors at the Junior Sailors Mess.

Make-A-Wish Australia grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Their wishes provide hope, strength and joy and have been shown through international research to make a life-changing difference to a child’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Since 1985, over 7,000 wishes have been granted in Australia.

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Naval Today Staff, March 25, 2013; Image: Australian Navy